Spark arrester



June 7, 1966 J. B. ROGERS, JR

SPARK ARRESTER Filed Nov. 5, 1962 IN VEN TOR. `Jo/m Rogers, Jn BY ATTOR/VEY United States Patent O 3,254,477 SPARK ARRESTER .Iohn B.Rogers, Jr., 1209 Summit, Muskogee, Okla. Filed Nov. 5, 1962, Ser. No.235,481 2 Claims. (Cl. 55-293) This invention relates to improvements inspark arresters and, more particularly but not by way of limitation, toa spark arrester for utilization with diesel locomotive engines, and thelike.

Diesel locomotives are used almost exclusively in this country today byrailroads and travel extensively throughout the entire country. Theexhaust gasses from these diesel locomotives usually contain burning orextremely hot embers, some of which are small but many of which arerelatively large. While the smaller burning particles or embers normallyburn themselves out ybefore falling to the ground, the larger particlesare often still burning when they strike the ground. As a result, manyres are started as these locomotives pass through the countryside. Thisis a particular hazard when the locomotive is passing `through pasturecountry, such as found in vast expanses in some of the midwest andwestern parts of this country. The lires thus started have resulted ingreat expense to the railroads in reimbursing property owners for burnedcrops, houses, livestock, and the like, and many efforts have been madeto reduce the hazard.

Some devices have been developed which direct the exhaust gasses through.a rather tortuous path in an effort to cool down these sparks or embersbefore the discharge thereof. However, these have not been toosuccessful since, regard-less of the path of travel, some of the largeembers still escape and resulting fires are experienced. Still otherdevices have been utilized wherein a grid is provided for breaking theparticles into rela-tively small sized pieces which will completely burnor cool down sufliciently before striking the ground, thus reducingthefire hazard. The theory behind this appears to be sound, but in actualpractice the grids soon become clogged and greatly reduce the passage ofthe exhaust gases therethrough. It will be apparent that this stoppage,or reduction of the exhaust gas 4oiw results in a loss of efiiciency forthe engine and as a result, these grids must be frequently removed andcleaned. The disadvantages of these devices will be readily apparent.

The present invention contemplates a novel spark arrester utilizing theprinciple of breaking up the escaping embers into small particles, andis particularly designed and constructed to eliminate the clogging ofthe grid or breaking element. The novel spark arrester comprises ahousing portion adapted to be secured over the exhaust opening of thelocomotive engine whereby the exhaust gases will be directed through aflexible grid member which undulates constantly during operation of thediesel engine. The flexing or .articulation of the grid member providesa self-cleaning action therefor to prevent clogging as the broken embersor exhaust gas particles move therethrough. Any large embers that arenot suiiiciently broken up lby the grid member or breaker element areknocked downwardly and are not permitted to escape from the device, thusonly those particles suiciently small to avoid the danger of startingthe res are` permitted to escape from the spark arrester. In addition,it has been found that the content of vthe escaping exhaust gassesprovides a lubricating quality for greatly reducing any wear of thearticulate Igrid member which might otherwise result from the inherentaction thereof.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a yspark arresterfor a diesel locomotive engine, or the like, wherein the exhaust gassesare directed through .a breaker element for precluding the discharge ofrelatively large burning embers.

Y v3,254,115?? Patented Jurre 7, 1956 ICC It is another object of, thisinvention to provide .a novel spark arrester having an articulate gridmember so designed and arranged as to preclude clogging thereof duringopera-tion.

Another object of -this invention is to-provide a novel spark arresterwherein the properties jof the exhaust gasses passing therethroughprovide a lubrication for the breaker element during operation thereof.

Still `another object of this invention is to provide a novel sparkAarrester for precludiug discharge of relatively large burning embersfrom the exhaust of Va diesel engine or the like, without hindrance tothe efficient operation of the engine. l

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel sparkarrester which is simple and eicient in operation and economical anddurable Vin construction.

Other .and further objects and advantageous features of the presentinvention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with adetailed description of the drawings in which: I

FIGURE l is a plan view of -a spark arrester embodying the inventionwith portions thereof broken away for purposes of illustration.

FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view of aspark arrester embodying theinvention with portions thereof broken away for purposes ofillustration.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective View of a spark arrester embodying theinvention as shown when the invention is idling or not in use.

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 3 depicting the spark arresterduring operation of the engine.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a grid element such asmay be utilized in the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character 10 gener-allyindicates a spark arrester comprising a bottom plate or foundation 12having a centrally disposed transversely extending elongated opening 14provided therein. A pair of upstanding side plate members 16 and 18. arerigidly secured to the opposed sides of t-he plate member 12 in anysuitable manner (not shown) or may be formed integrally therewith, ifdesired. A plurality of partition members 20` .are interposed betweenthe side plates 16 and 18 and secured to the plate in any suitablemanner. As shown herein, only one of .the Vplate memf bers 20 isutilized for providing a pair of chambers 22 and 24 between the sideplates 16 and 18. However, it will be apparent that substantially anynumber of the partitions 20 may be utilized to provide as many chambersas required. As la practical matter, it has been found that two of thesechambers result in a very efficient operation for the spark arrester 10as will be hereinafter set forth.

A pair of spaced stud members 26 and 28 extend between the side plates16 and 18 and .are preferably disposed in the proximity of the opposedends thereof as clearly shown in the drawings. It is preferable toprovide la spacer sleeve 30 for the portion of the stud 26 lying withinor extending through the chamber 22 and a similar sleeve 32 for thatportion of the stud 28 extending through the chamber 22 whereby the twosleeves 30 and 32 vare in substantial valignment for receiving aflexible grid member or breaker element 34 thereover. In .a simil-armanner a spacer sleeve 36 is preferably provided for that section of thestud 26 extending through the chamber 24 and a similar sleeve 38 may beprovided for the portion of the stud 28 extending through the chamber 24and in alignment with the sleeve 36 for receiving a second grid memberor breaker element 40 thereover.

The grids 34 `and 40 are substantially identical and are of a flexibleconstruction as will be hereinafter set forth and a detailed descriptionof the grid 3'4 will apply similarly to the grid 40. One end of the grid34 is secured.

adjacent to the upper surface of the base plate 12 in any suitablemanner such as a bar or plate member 44 and a plurality of bolts 46co-operating with an upstanding flange member (not shown) secured to thebase member 12. If desired, a transversely extending shaft member (notshown) may be provided adjacent to the plate 12 between the side wall 16and partition 20 for cooperating Iwith the plate 44 and bolts 46 toretain the grid 34 in connection with the base plate 12. The grid 34extends upwardly from the base 12 and is secured around a portion of theouter periphery of the sleeve 32 in any suit- `able manner, such as by acotter pin, or the like (not inafter set forth, and as shown in FIGURE 3at 47. Thev grid 34 is similarly secured around a portion of the outerperiphery of the sleeve 30 as around the sleeve 32 and extendsdownwardly therefrom tothe base 12 for connection adjacent the base in amanner as hereinbefore set forth for the end 42 thereof. This providesan articulate type arrangement for the flexible grid 34 wherebytheloosely hanging portion 47 thereof disposed between the sleeves 30 and32 may fluctuate or undulate during operation of the engine.

The grid 40 is similarly secured adjacent to the base by a suitable baror plate member 48 and bolts 50 and the upstanding flange (not shown)provided on the base `12, and extends upwardly therefrom to the sleeve38. The grid 40 extends around a portion of the outer periphery of thesleeve 38 and is secured therearound as hereinbefore set forth and isloosely disposed between the sleeves 36 and 38 wherein the portion 51therebetween lwill sag as shown in FIGURE 3 when the engine is not inoperation. The grid 40 is secured around a portion of the outerperiphery of the sleeve 36 and extends downwardly therefrom forconnection adjacent the base 12, as hereinbefore set forth.

The grid 34 is preferably constructed from wire cloth material orbelting of any suitable well known type, such as often used in conveyordevices, and the like. This belting or wire mesh material is of ametallic construction having heat resistant characteristics whereby theheat of the exhaust gases is not detrimental thereto. The generalconfiguration of the belting material preferably comprises a pluralityof spaced rigid wires 52 bound together by a plurality of spaced angularwires 54 as shown in enlarged detail in FIGURE 5. Each adjacent pair ofwires 52 are joined together by one of the angular or joining wires 54in such a manner that the rigid wires 52 and angular wires 54 extendtransversely thereacross between the side plates and partition, and theangular wires 54 cooperate with the rigid wires 52 to provide freedom ofmovement or fluctuation longitudinally in the ,chambers 22 and 24. Ofcourse, sufficient clearance is provided between the side edges of thegrid and the adjacent partition and side plate to permit freedom ofmovement of the grid during operation of the device without permittingescape of any large embers therebetween.

Operation The novel spark arrester 10 may be readily installed onsubstantially any locomotive (not shown) or the like having a dieselengine. The base member 12 may be secured to a plate member 56 normallyprovided on the locomotive in the proximity of the exhaust outlet (notshown) in such a manner that the opening 14 will be in directcommunication with the exhaust outlet of the engine. Thus, duringoperation of the engine, the exhaust gases are directed through theopening 14 and into the chambers 22 and 24. The pressure of the escapinggases will act against the grid members 34 and 40, causing them tobillow outwardly, as shown in FIGURE 4. Of course,

. gible.

the pressure variances of the exhaust gases during the normal operationof the engine will cause the grids to articulate or undulate as theexhaust gases are moving therethrough.

The flexing or undulating of the grids 34 and 4f) provide a breakingaction for the particles or burning embers contained in the escapingexhaust gases. Only small embers may be discharged through the grids, asestablished bythe mesh size of the complementary wires 52 and 54, andany relatively large embers will be broken into particles of asufficiently small sizeV to pass through the mesh material of the gridsprior to exhausting thereof from the spark arrester 10. Any of the largeparticles that are not broken into a sufficiently small size will beknocked down onto the upper surface of the plate 12 and `will eventuallywork their way back through the opening 14. eliminated, and the dangerof setting a fire on the country side is greatly reduced.

When the engine is not in use, o'r is idling, there will be no escapingexhaust gasses, and the portions 47 and 51 of the grids 34 and 4t),respectively, will sag within the chambers 22 and 24, as shown in FIG.3. However, the flexible characteristics of the belting material fromwhich the grids are constructed provide a freedom of movement for thegrids during the operation of the eng-ine for eflciently breaking up anyparticles contained in the exhaust gasses. It has been found in actualpractice that the lubricating qualities of the exhaust, such as thecarbon content thereof, provides a lubrication of the grids duringoperation, and as a result, the wear of the grids is negli- `Inaddition, the undulating action of the grids provides a self cleaningtherefor in that clogging of the belting material is substantiallyeliminated. Thus, the novel spark arrester efficiently breaks up anyparticles contained Within the exhaust gasses for reducing hazards fromresulting fires, and prevents clogging of the breaker elements or gridsin order to preclude interference with v the efficient operation o'f theengine.

From the foregoing it w-ill be apparent that the present inventionprovides a novel spark arrester particularly designed and constructedfor breaking up or reducing the size of any particles or burning emberscontained within exhaust gasses from a diesel engine, or the like, inorder to reduce the hazard of fires resulting from the discharge of theexhaust gasses. In addition, the grids or `breaker elements of the novelspark arrester fluctuate during operation of the device in a manner tosubstantially preclude clogging thereof, thus reducing interference ofthe normal operating efficiency of the engine. The novel spark arresteris simple and efficient in construction and economical and durable inconstruction.

Changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of parts asheretofore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawings, itbeing understood that any modification in the precise embodiment of theinvention may be made within the scope of the following claims withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A spark arrester for a diesel engine having an exhaust outlet andcomprising a base member adapted to be secured in the proximity of theexhaust outlet of the engine, said base member being provided with anaperture for admitting the exhaust gasses therethrough, a plurality ofspaced substantially parallel wall members extending upwardly from thebase member for receiving the exhaust gasses therebetween, a pluralityof spaced rod members secured between the wall members and extendingtransversely therebetween, a flexible grid member being dispo-sedbetween the Wall members for spanning the space therebetween and beingloosely disposed between the rod members, said grid member having theopposite ends thereof rigidly secured in the proximity of the basemember and the opposite side edges thereof slidably disposed adjacentthe inwardly directed faces of the wall' members for independentmovement with respect t0 the In this manner, escape of large 'burningembers is -Wall members and rod members, said grid member beingresponsive to the pressures of the exhaust gasses for undulating duringoperation of the engine to provide a grinding action for breaking up anyparticles contained in the exhaust gasses prior to discharge thereofthrough the grid member and to preclude clogging of the grid.

2. A spark varrester Ias set forth in claim 1 Iwherein the grid membercomprises a plurality of substantially parallel members linked ltogether4by -pivotal hinge-type means to prov-ide independent rotationalmovement of the para-llel members with respect to each other to providefor the grinding action and free uudulation of the grid member duringoperation of the engine.

References Cited bythe Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Terry 55-293Yeomans 55-293 Buck.

Sturt et al. 55-374 X Davenport 55-'505 X Smith et al 55-301 Young 55-96'ROBERT iF. BURNE'IT, Primary Examiner.

HARRY B. THORNTON, Examiner.

1. A SPARK ARRESTER FOR A DIESEL ENGINE HAVING AN EXHAUST OUTLET ANDCOMPRISING A BASE MEMBER ADAPTED TO BE SECURED IN THE PROMIMITY OF THEEXHAUST OUTLET OF THE ENGINE, SAID BASE MEMBER BEING PROVIDED WITH ANAPERTURE FOR ADMITTING THE EXHAUST GASSES THERETHROUGH, A PLURALITY OFSPACED SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL WALL MEMBERS EXTENDING UPWARDLY FROM THEBASE MEMBER FOR RECEIVING THE EXHAUST GASSES THEREBETWEEN, A PLURALITYOF SPACED ROD MEMBERS SECURED BETWEEN THE WALL MEMBERS AND EXTENDINGTRANSVERSELY THEREBETWEEN, A FLEXIBLE GRID MEMBER BEING DISPOSED BETWEENTHE WALL MEMBERS FOR SPANNING THE SPACE THEREBETWEEN AND BEING LOOSELYDISPOSED BETWEEN THE ROD MEMBERS, SAID GRID MEMBER HAVING THE OPPOSITEENDS THEREOF RIGIDLY SECURED IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE BASE